Reflections on Cultivating Humility
Christian Union invites you to take part in supporting this ministry through both fasting and prayer.
As we invite the Lord to change the nation, we first give attention to our own hearts. Fasting has fallen out of fashion among many in the Western church, which is a tragedy given its ability to help humble the one who fasts, attracting the presence of God through the filling of the Holy Spirit.
The following is a brief overview of scriptural fasting, and the strong rationale for seeking to develop deeper humility through this until-recent-times typical Christian practice.
God alone rules the universe, and strongly opposes all who seek to usurp His role. It was because of pride, the desire to be like the Most High, that Satan was thrown out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-20).
Peter makes plain God's opposition to the arrogant: "God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).
Arrogance is repellent to God and He doesn't want anything to do with it. Pride repulses God and, just as powerfully, humility delights Him and attracts His presence.
Fasting is not the only thing in the Christian life that contributes toward the development of humility, but it is vital to the Christian life and should be practiced regularly by those who seek after God.
There are countless examples in the Scriptures of devout men and women humbling themselves before God with fasting:
- Moses fasted for 40 days and then another 40 days
- Elijah fasted for 40 days
- Nehemiah fasted for 120 days
- Mordecai, Esther and thousands of Jews in the Persian Empire fasted for 70 days, and some went without both food and water for 3 days of that fast
- Ezra fasted
- John the Baptist fasted
- Anna the prophetess fasted
- the Apostles and first elders fasted
- All Christians in the first-century church
Fasting is not the only thing in the Christian life that contributes toward the development of humility, but it is vital to the Christian life!
Fasting, simply put, is going without food and perhaps liquids, for a definitive period of time to humble oneself before God. It is sometimes accompanied by mourning and grieving.
When fasting is mentioned in the Bible, it usually meant going without food during the day and then eating only in the evening, unless the Scriptures specifically say otherwise. For instance, Moses' fast was without food or water— a supernatural fast that should only be undertaken if a person has received a direct revelation from God.
Many Christians around the world fast regularly, and so did many in church history. We know from a first century document called the Didache that it was the regular practice of Christians in the first century to fast every Wednesday and Friday until 3 p.m. This was the universal practice of first-century Christians. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism in the 18th century, believed in the necessity of fasting so powerfully that he would not ordain anyone to the ministry who did not fast every Wednesday and Friday.
The first-century Christians fasted because Jesus expected them to fast. When Jesus was directly asked about fasting, He explained there was no need for His disciples to fast when He was still with them, but there would be need to fast when He left (Matthew 9:14-15). Jesus even gives instructions about how to fast: Christians should do it in a way that does not bring attention to themselves (Matthew 6:16-18).
Note how the verses say "when you fast" not "if you fast." It was never suggested that Christians should not fast; rather, their fasting should be in stark contrast to the way the Pharisees fasted.
Fasting helps develop humility and a longing after God because the lack of food causes you to recognize your humanity and need for God for everything in life. Because of this, fasting helps increase fervency in prayer, which has a powerful impact on God.
It's important to keep in mind, of course, that God cannot be controlled by any human being and fasting does not assure an automatic response from God.
God answers prayer according to His sovereign will, which is sometimes beyond our immediate comprehension. God gives what He knows is best for you. He is not obligated to answer your prayer, in the specific terms you request, just because you fast.
However, the Scriptures make plain that fasting and humility sway God and incline Him to draw near when otherwise He might not have. He has made clear to humanity what delights Him and under what circumstances He is likely to draw near.
Of course, fasting is not a panacea for pride, because a person can be very proud even though he fasts. This was the problem of the Pharisees. They fasted regularly, as they should have, but were still proud and self righteous.
If a person is determined to be arrogant, fasting will not help him, but for the man or woman truly seeking to humble himself before the Lord, fasting is an important and necessary part of the Christian life.
With these reflections in mind, consider incorporating regular set days for fasting, as well as special times in response to great prayer concerns. The Lord knows we often come to Him with mixed motives, but don't let it hinder you from growing in this area. Confess any tendancy toward pride as you learn to fast, and invite Him to cultivate the humility He desires.
Thank you for joining Christian Union in seeking God. May the Lord bless you richly as you willingly humble yourself before Him.
